Orchard Toys: Yo Ho Ho (Review & Giveaway)

Pirates seem to be a little bit of a fascination for The Boy at the moment, and so I was pleased to receive this pirate memory game from Orchard Toys to try out with him.

Yo Ho Ho is a very simple and traditional memory game, along the lines of 'pairs', with players turning over two face-down cards at a time to try and match a 'pair'. Designed for 2-4 players and for children aged 4-8 years, but I'd say that children younger than four could play it easily, and likewise older children. The added twist to the game which can be included for older players is that if a pirate flag is turned over, then that player can do a dastardly deed and pilfer the cards from another player's treasure pile.

At present we haven't added this rule into the game, but we do have great fun playing it as a simple pairs game. There are actually four cards of each design, which helps increase the chances of younger children finding a pair. The illustrations are trademark Orchard Toys; bright and colourful, fun characterisations of familiar figures.

The educational guide states that Yo Ho Ho has been designed to:

encourage observation, memory and language skills

develop personal and social skills

link with Early Learning Goals and National Curriculum Key Stage 1

In addition to the above, I'd say it is also great for:

oracy – it encourages discussion, and can even lead to storytelling if they are used in the same way that story stones are;

drama – role play either with small world toys or with costumes and re-enacting the scene;

geography – looking at pirate maps as an extension activity.

Yo Ho Ho is available to buy from Orchard Toys directly for £7.50. A fantastic, traditional and quick game for all ages.

However, the very lovely folk there are offering a copy of this game to one reader of TheBoyandMe. Simply fill in the Rafflecopter form below to be in with a chance of winning.